Slippery Elm Trees: A Guide to Their Medicinal Uses and Cultivation
What is a Slippery Elm Tree?
Slippery elm trees (Ulmus rubra) are tall, graceful trees native to North America. They are known for their inner bark, which contains a substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, mucilage becomes slick and slippery, hence the tree’s name.
Medicinal Uses of Slippery Elm
Slippery elm has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. Native Americans used the inner bark to make cordage, storage baskets, and even homes. However, its most well-known use was for medicinal purposes.
The inner bark of slippery elm is rich in mucilage, which has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Sore throats
- Coughs
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Skin irritations
- Eye infections
Growing Slippery Elm Trees
Growing slippery elm trees is relatively easy. Here are the steps:
- Gather seeds: Collect slippery elm seeds (samaras) in the spring when they are ripe. You can knock them from branches or sweep them from the ground.
- Air-dry the seeds: Air-dry the seeds for several days before planting. Do not remove the wings, as this could damage them.
- Plant the seeds: Sow the seeds in moist soil. You can also stratify them at 41 degrees F (5 C) for 60 to 90 days in a moist medium before planting.
- Transplant the seedlings: When the seedlings are several inches tall, transplant them into larger containers or directly into your garden. Choose a site with moist, rich soil.
Different Ways to Use Slippery Elm
Slippery elm can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Tea: Steep the inner bark in hot water to make a tea. This tea can be used to soothe sore throats, coughs, and indigestion.
- Capsules: Slippery elm is also available in capsule form. Capsules are a convenient way to take slippery elm for medicinal purposes.
- Ointment: Slippery elm can be made into an ointment to soothe skin irritations and eye infections.
Conclusion
Slippery elm is a versatile tree with a long history of medicinal use. Its inner bark is rich in mucilage, which has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Slippery elm can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including sore throats, coughs, indigestion, and skin irritations. Growing slippery elm trees is relatively easy, and the trees can be used for both medicinal and ornamental purposes.
